Businesswoman and reality star Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West, now known as Ye, had been married for nearly seven years when Kim filed for divorce.
Though, in citing “irreconcilable differences,” Kim signaled a lack of marital fulfillment and geographic differences as contributing factors to the split, the public-facing narrative over the past year has largely concealed more alarming signs of relational abuse, which are now beginning to emerge amid Kim’s burgeoning relationship with 28-year-old comedian Pete Davidson.
This winter alone, Kanye’s behaviors have clearly mimicked the well-known cycle of violence that often characterizes domestic abuse. The phases are:
1. Tension building
2. Explosion/Conflict
3. Repair/Honeymoon phase
According to experts, the cycle almost always escalates over time, especially as abusers gradually lose their grip over their victims and make increased attempts to control them.
And now, Kim, who said that her goal is to be “Happy” in the aftermath of the divorce, is exhibiting a sense of self-reliance and independence amid her new romance that doesn’t seem to be sitting well with her estranged husband.
In December, reports surfaced that Kanye was set to move across the street from Kim in what he said was an attempt to be more present in the lives of his kids, and as reconciliation rumors swirled, Kanye embarked on a rebound relationship with actor Julia Fox , only to melt down after their split, as things grew progressively tender between Kim and Pete ahead of Valentine’s Day (tension building phase).
Kanye ultimately unleashed a social media tirade directed at Davidson that Kim subsequently deemed dangerous directly to her ex, in text messages that Kanye proceeded to post, and then delete (explosion). After instilling fear in Kim and Pete, Kanye reportedly his abuse with a truck full of roses and a half-apology/covert threat to walk back any violence he may have incited against Pete, and even took “accountability” for “harassing” Kim ( repair/honeymoon phase).
And after all of this, social media is taking note of red flags. Activist Shaun King shared Kanye’s since-deleted post on his own account, attaching a lengthy caption unpacking the situation and writing, “He has crossed a dangerous line that I personally find very problematic and is common with abusive men,” followed by a summary of the cycle of violence, including Kanye’s more nuanced, intermittent gestures that are unrelated to the relationship but serve to cultivate his public perception: “Gospel. Pro Black statement. Followed by toxicity. Violent innuendo and memes. And weirdness. Rinse and repeat.”
The most dangerous time for women victims of domestic violence is after they’ve left an abusive relationship.
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If you or someone you know is struggling, there is always help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. If you see someone use the signal for help, ask them privately if they need help contacting authorities.